"The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship. " (USCIS)

Click here to find out some of the advantages of becoming a U.S. Citizen

Citizenship Preparation

Hawthorne Education Center provides citizenship preparation classes to lawful permanent residents. These classes prepare students to take the citizenship test and interview.

If you have any questions or want to register for class, contact Marcia Hartman, at (507) 328-4440; or send an e-mail: mahartman@rochester.k12.mn.us

To become a U.S. citizen you must:

-- be at least eighteen years old

-- have been a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

-- speak, read and write English (part of becoming a U.S. citizen requires you to be interviewed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS); with very few exceptions as this interview is conducted in English)

Citizenship does not simply mean "an end to (INS) paperwork, the ability to travel abroad on a U.S. passport, or the right to vote. It is, more importantly, a contract with your new nation and with the millions of other people who call themselves Americans. A contract that guarantees you all the rights granted by the U.S. Constitution, and that offers you an equal vote in deciding the future of your community, your government, and your country."